Last year’s unofficial champions Free State will need a collective effort to defend their title in PE.

In 2011, Free State grabbed wins over the Pumas (56-32), the Blue Bulls (14-11) and the Golden Lions (28-17) to be crowned as the top side. This was thanks to their strong team, that consisted of SA School representatives flank Leneve Damens, prop Neethling Fouche, wing Ruwellyn Isbell, flyhalf Pieter Jordaan and centres Jan Serfontein and Dries Swanepoel.

This year, however, they don’t have many individual stars. Captain Jordaan, who is the younger brother of Sharks and Baby Boks flyer Paul Jordaan, is the only survivour from last year’s squad. He’s also been shifted to outside centre, in the hopes that he will add some bite in the midfield.

Free State head coach Dirkie Groenewald believes his charges will be competitive if they gain the necessary confidence.

‘We don’t have the stars of 2011, but this team can still do well,’ Groenewald told Schoolboy Derby. ‘They’re just lacking in confidence. We lost 37-10 to the Blue Bulls in a trial game and conceded four tries, but we can do so much better. Our defence just needs work.

‘The positives are that we have a strong pack and the backline looks very dangerous when they get going. I’m hoping Pieter Jordaan will have a good tournament for us. If these boys can believe in themselves and in the game plan, we’ll do well.’

Free State face a tough encounter in their opening game as they face KZN, who boast a strong squad this year.

‘The Sharks can clean out everybody on their day. They’re always a good side, so it’s going to be a difficult match. But we have to win on the Monday. If our confidence is up there, we will surprise many people.’